Jump Buddy

ABSTRACT

The Jump Buddy is a support for the hand to be used in the play of billiards, pool, or other similar games. It simplifies the learning and execution of a legal jump shot in these games, by supporting the bridge hand at the proper position and angle required. It is comprised of a ball and legs in a tripod configuration, such that an object ball can fit underneath it. Other uses of the Jump Buddy include masse&#39; shots, and shots in which the ideal bridging position is blocked by another ball.

CROSS REFERENCE

#30538746, Provisional Application U.S. 61/063,846, Filed Feb. 7, 2008

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a device for use in the play of billiards. In the game,it is legal to cause the cue ball to jump over an object ball. Such ashot must be done with a sharp, downward stroke, with the cue elevatedat about 45 degrees from the table surface. A similar position is usedfor a masse' shot, which imparts a spin causing the cue ball to travelon a curved path. Such shots are difficult for anyone, but especially sofor players with smaller hands, or who are learning the shots for thefirst time.

The tripod-shaped invention described here makes it easier to achievethe stable, elevated position required for the bridge hand, in order tomake the shot. The device can be used in play, or as a training aid.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a tripod structure for supporting the bridge handduring the play of billiards. By supporting the hand in an elevatedposition, the user can make difficult masse' and jump shots, and canbetter make shots where the normal bridge hand position is blocked by anobject ball. Disassembly of the invention makes transporting it in astandard cue case easier.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The drawing illustrates the following elements of the claim:

1. A spherical hand support as described in claim 1(a), with attachmentholes for the legs, as described in claim 2 and claim 3.

2. Threaded joints to connect the legs to the sphere, as described inclaim 7.

3. The rigid legs as defined in claim 4, machined smooth on the bottomas described in claim 5.

4. Space beneath the legs is sufficient for a billiard ball to fitwithout touching the legs, as described in claim 1(b).

5. Legs may be capped with soft plastic to avoid marring the table felt,as described in claim 6.

6. An extra, short leg is included to allow the invention to rest oneleg on the rail, while remaining stable and fitting an object ballbeneath, as described in claim 1(c).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a tripod structure composed of a sphere and threeremovable, equal-length legs, along with a fourth short leg to supportthe tripod on the rail of the billiard table. The space beneath thetripod is sufficient for a standard billiard ball to fit withouttouching the legs. The ball has threaded holes, while the legs havethreaded ends to allow easy assembly and disassembly.

Usefulness of the invention is enhanced by designing it to be placedover a billiard ball without interference. Frequently, the idealposition for the bridge hand in a shot will be blocked by another objectball, making the shot more difficult. By placing the invention over theball and using it to support the bridge hand, the shot is made easier.Also, by exchanging one of the tripod legs for a shorter leg, placementof the invention partially on the rail of the table is still stable.Feet on the tripod are machined smooth, or capped with soft plastic, toavoid damage to the felt surface of the table. The legs are made to beeasily removed to ease transport of the invention in a standard pool cuecarrying case, or in a small bag.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized thatthe optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function ,and mannerof operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specifications areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

1. A device for supporting the bridge hand during the play of billiardsincluding: a. A comfortable, elevated hand support, b. At least threeremovable, rigid legs to provide a stable base, spaced wide enough toadmit a billiard ball to lie between them, c. A shorter leg to allow thedevice to rest with one leg on the rail of the billiard table, d. Ameans to easily attach and detach the legs from the hand support.
 2. Thehand support as defined in claim 1 wherein said support is spherical. 3.The hand support as defined in claim 1 wherein said support is made ofhard plastic.
 4. The legs as defined in claim 1 wherein said legs aremade of metal.
 5. The legs as defined in claim 1 wherein said leg endsare machined smooth to avoid marring the playing surface.
 6. The legs asdefined in claim 1 wherein said leg ends are capped with soft plastic toavoid marring the playing surface.
 7. The attachment as defined in claim1 wherein said attachment is by means of a threaded joint. Threads maybe tapped directly into the sphere material, or a metal threaded insertsmay be attached inside a drilled hole.